Mellowdrone Underground

June 17, 2004|By -- ERIC R. DANTON

What started out as one guy tinkering in his bedroom with a keyboard, computer and guitar has turned into a full-fledged band, complete with hype.

The hype began last fall, when Mellowdrone released ``A Demonstration of Intellectual Property,'' a six-song EP that blends raw guitars with electronica and literate lyrics. Translating the songs live required mastermind Jonathan Bates to hire a band, which then recorded a follow-up EP, ``Go Get 'Em Tiger.'' A full-length album is due out later this year.

Mellowdrone -- from left: Scott Ellis, Jonathan Bates, Tony DeMatteo, Greg Griffiths -- has toured in the opening slot for Phantom Planet, though it headlines the Webster Underground Monday. The bill also includes Planeside, Mathieu Rodrigue, Matt Romano, Dysthymia and First Aid Kit, one of the most promising local bands around. Tickets are $10; doors open at 6 p.m. Information: 860-525-5553.